A Grant of Probate is issued by the High Court to the executor/executors named by the Testator in a Will. Probate is only issued to the executor appointed by the Testator through his Will. The executor has authority under the Will to administer or manage the estate of the deceased once the Will is authenticated by the High Court/District Court.

A Letters of Administration is issued by the High Court when the deceased has died without a Will or has made a Will but no executor is appointed. In such circumstances the person who has the legal right in the estate of the deceased comes forward and apply for Letters of Administration. Once he is appointed as an administrator by the Court he has the authority to administer the estate of the deceased.